One of my favorite authors throughout the 40+ years of my ministry has been Frederick Buechner. Over the years his work has found its way into my writing and preaching. However, I am reminded again I am not alone in my admiration. A memorial article published in the October issue of The Christian Century observed “During the 1980s and 1990s, [Buechner] was quoted from American pulpits more often than anyone [else] alive at the time.”
“Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come.” (Prayer for Advent I)
“O that you would tear open the heavens and come down!” (Isaiah 64:1)
A memory from several years ago animates my heart and the mission we share at St. Luke’s this Advent: A crash language course in the narthex. Tell me how you say “In the Name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit in Arabic.” Pastor Khader El Yateem whispers something unintelligible. I take out a pen and ask him to repeat it slowly. The incense is swirling to the heavens. The opening hymn, “Love Divine, all love’s excelling,” has begun. The kids wearing the Church Reeboks are lifting up the cross and torches to lead the procession. I scrawl on the back of the bulletin, in wobbly English, a transliteration: “Bism’el ab; wal eben; waroah el qudus; el elah; eluahied; Amin.”
Longest Night Service, Wednesday, December 21, 7:00 p.m. All are welcome on the winter solstice – the longest night of the year – to celebrate the coming of the light into our darkest places. With songs, candles, and prayers, we acknowledge the complexities of life’s journey, while celebrating light and hope that comes in the birth of Jesus.
On the liturgical clock, this Sunday, traditionally called Christ the King, is the Church’s equivalent of 11:59 PM on December 31. Next Sunday, November 27, we begin the new Church Year with the first celebration of the season of Advent, the season of hope.
St Luke’s is providing 200 gift bags for RefugeeOne children. In response to RefugeeOne’s request for us to provide a gift bag with items rather than gift cards, this year we are collecting money to support filling the gift bags. The Christmas parties will be in-person for the first time in a several years and will be held at RefugeeOne’s new location. Santa will be in person this year handing out the gift bags to each child.
“It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ.” (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 130) These words from the Great Thanksgiving Eucharistic prayer give us a wonderful summary of the life of a Christian steward. Duty and Joy.
Spirit Matters meets on Monday, November 21 at 7:00 PM. This month, we are delighted to have a special guest, Anne Krentz Organ, Director of Music Ministries. As the church year comes to a close, Anne will lead us in a time for reflection with a tour of piano music through the church year.